Important Info Before Booking Your River Cruise
I often get asked about the best times to travel on river cruises when there is less chance of cruise disruptions due to water levels. While changes are rare, unfortunately weather and varying cruising factors are unpredictable and can happen on any river, at any time of the year. If you have strong feelings about changes to your desired river cruise experience, then in general I would not recommend river cruising. Flexibility & a ‘go with the flow’ attitude are essential for this type of travel! And the reality is, unexpected situations can happen on any type of trip so I encourage my clients to remain open minded during their travels.
European river cruising is a FABULOUS experience—it's a comfortable and convenient way to explore Europe aboard a luxurious ship which is more like a floating hotel than a cruise ship. However, it's important to understand potential factors that might affect your cruise. While the vast majority of river cruises proceed as planned, weather conditions can sometimes cause high or low water levels that alter the ship's itinerary or, in rare cases, prevent sailing entirely. Other unusual events, such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or a blocked waterway, can also disrupt plans with little or no warning.
If a cruise is partially or fully impacted, the itinerary will be adjusted to include motor coach transportation, escorted with the cruise company staff, with overnight stays in hotels. When possible, the cruise operator may arrange a "ship swap" with another vessel traveling in the opposite direction to maintain the sailing experience, although crew, ship, and cabin configurations may vary. Efforts will be made to include as many of the originally planned sightseeing activities as feasible, factoring in travel distances and time, along with meals. While these adjustments may not replicate the relaxed comforts of cruising, they aim to offer a comparable experience. While changes are undesirable, you are still able to enjoy much of the wonderful experiences of traveling in Europe.
European river cruising is a FABULOUS experience—it's a comfortable and convenient way to explore Europe aboard a luxurious ship which is more like a floating hotel than a cruise ship. However, it's important to understand potential factors that might affect your cruise. While the vast majority of river cruises proceed as planned, weather conditions can sometimes cause high or low water levels that alter the ship's itinerary or, in rare cases, prevent sailing entirely. Other unusual events, such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or a blocked waterway, can also disrupt plans with little or no warning.
If a cruise is partially or fully impacted, the itinerary will be adjusted to include motor coach transportation, escorted with the cruise company staff, with overnight stays in hotels. When possible, the cruise operator may arrange a "ship swap" with another vessel traveling in the opposite direction to maintain the sailing experience, although crew, ship, and cabin configurations may vary. Efforts will be made to include as many of the originally planned sightseeing activities as feasible, factoring in travel distances and time, along with meals. While these adjustments may not replicate the relaxed comforts of cruising, they aim to offer a comparable experience. While changes are undesirable, you are still able to enjoy much of the wonderful experiences of traveling in Europe.